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JEWS IN THE WAR OP 1812. 


By Leon Huhner, A. M., LL. B. 

Is 


Reprinted from 
Publications of the 
American Jewish Historical Society, 
No. 26, 1918. 





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JEWS IN THE WAR OF 1812. 

By Leon Huhner, A. M., LL. B. 

Our second war with England did not strike a responsive 
chord in the hearts of the American people. A very large 
part of the nation opposed it, and aside from naval successes, 
such as Perry’s victory, there is little to arouse enthusiasm. 
The engagements on land were for the most part a series of 
disasters. 1 

This lack of enthusiasm may possibly account for the fact 
that there is comparatively little material available in this 
connection. While hundreds of works have been written con¬ 
cerning the American Revolution, and while a great many of 
the states have published lists of their soldiers and officers in 
other wars, few of the states have as yet published such lists 
concerning the War of 1812. The number of men engaged in 
the latter was a very small one, and the government found few 
volunteers. In fact it was only by a system of extravagant 
bounties that a substantial force was brought together at all.* 

Despite the paucity of published material, however, the 
writer has been able to find the names of quite a number of 
Jews who participated, and to their honor be it said, practically 
all of these had volunteered almost at the start. 

At the time when war was declared, there were probably less 
than three thousand Jews in all the states put together, 8 yet in 
proportion to their number, they were well represented in the 


1 See Harper’s “ Encyclopedia of United States History,” 1905, 
vol. x, p. 126, et seq. 
a Ibid. 

9 See Hannah Adams, “ History of the Jews,” 1812, vol. ii, pp. 215, 
220. In a discourse delivered in 1818, Major M. M. Noah estimated 
the Jewish population of the United States at that date at 3000. 

» 173 



174 


American Jewish Historical Society. 


army. The North was of course most affected, the South 
being comparatively unmolested until the last year of the 
struggle. 

After the first few disasters, General Dearborn was super¬ 
seded by General Wilkinson as commander-in-chief, and the 
latter on October 17, 1813 ordered the troops to embark at 
Sacketts Harbor. 4 Before morning, however, a furious gale 
came on and fifteen boats were lost. It was in this connection 
and in the events which followed, that an American Jew, Cap¬ 
tain Mordecai Myers, particularly distinguished himself. 

Myers was bom at Newport, Bhode Island, in 1776. His 
father was a Hungarian, his mother an Austrian. 6 He was 
educated in New York City and later removed to Bichmond, 
Virginia, where he became a merchant. While there, he served 
in a military company under Colonel, afterward Chief Justice, 
Marshall. Betuming to New York he served in an Artillery 
Company under the command of Captain John Swarthwort; 
and later, commissioned an officer of infantry, he studied 
military tactics for two years. When war was threatened he 
was active in raising volunteer companies, and in March, 1812 
was commissioned a Captain in the 13th United States In¬ 
fantry and ordered to report to Colonel Peter B. Schuyler. 8 

4 See Benson J. Lossing, “ Pictorial Field Book of the War of 
1812," p. 646. 

5 Ibid., p. 654. See “Reminiscences, 1780-1814. Letters written 
by Major Myers to his son,” privately printed, p. 6. “ My father 
was a Hungarian and my mother an Austrian by birth, and arrived 
in New York in 1760 but soon removed to Newport where I was 
born May 31, 1776.” He also states that his father became a 
friend of Ezra Stiles, subsequently president of Yale College, who 
was intimate with many of the Jews at Newport. 

8 See Lossing, supra, p. 654; “Reminiscences,” supra, pp. 13-46; 
Cassie Mason Myers Julien, “ Biographical Sketches of the Bailey- 
Myers-Mason Families, 1776-1905,” privately printed, 1908, pp. 1-33. 
This volume contains two fine portraits of Mordecai Myers. See 
also, Henry S. Morais “ The Jews of Philadelphia,” Philadelphia, 


Gift 

Author 
APK tr 


Jews in the War of 1812 — Hilhner. 


175 


His service at Sacketts Harbor is perhaps best described by 
Mr. Lossing, from whose “ Field Book of the War of 1812 ” 
I quote the following: 

The flotilla was scattered in every direction, and the gloomy 
dawn revealed a sad spectacle. The shore of the islands and the 
main were strewn with wrecks of vessels and property. Fifteen 
large boats were totally lost and many more too severely damaged 
to be safe. For thirty-six hours the wind blew fiercely, but on the 
20th, there having been a comparative calm for more than a day, 
a large proportion of the troops with the sound boats, arrived at 
Grenadier Island. 

Captain Mordecai Myers was very active in saving lives and 
property during this boisterous weather. It was resolved to 
send back to Sacketts Harbor all who could not endure active 
service in the campaign. Nearly two hundred of these were put on 
board two schooners with hospital stores. The vessels were 
wrecked and Captain Myers at his own solicitation was sent by 
General Boyd with two large boats for the rescue of the passengers 
and crew. He found the schooners lying on their sides, the sails 
flapping and the sea breaking over them. Many had perished 
and the most of those alive, having drank freely of the liquors 
among the hospital stores, were nearly all intoxicated. The hatches 
were open and the vessels were half filled with water. By great 
exertion and personal risk, Captain Myers succeeded in taking to 
the shore nearly all of the two hundred persons who had embarked 
on the schooners; forty or fifty were dead. 7 

The next move of the Americans under General Brown was 
an attempt to attack Montreal. The English marched from 
Kingston to Prescott and then forward to meet the American 

1894, p. 459; Isaac Markens, “ The Hebrews in America,” New York, 
1888, pp. 127-128. As to his military career see “ Military Minutes 
of the Council of Appointment of the State of New York, 1783-1821, 
compiled and edited by Hugh Hastings, State Historian,” Albany, 
1901, vol. ii, pp. 980, 1089, 1383; Thomas H. S. Hamersly, “Com¬ 
plete Regular Army Register of the United States, 1779-1789,” 
Washington, 1880, pp. 74, 101, 112, 140, 153; Francis B. Heitman, 
“Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army, 
1789-1903,” Washington, 1914, vol. 1, p. 740. 

1 Lossing, supra, p. 646. 



176 


American Jewish Historical Society. 


invader. A severe engagement took place November 11, 1813 
at Chrysler’s Farm a few miles below Williamsburg. The 
Americans were beaten, forced to retreat and the Montreal ex¬ 
pedition was abandoned. 8 

At the battle of Chrysler’s Farm, Captain Myers was among 
those who were severely wounded. The wounded were placed 
in barns and log-houses, and the Chrysler Mansion was made 
a hospital. Lossing tells us that 

a bullet passed through Captain Myer’s arm near his shoulder, 
while at the head of his men in assailing the British behind a 
stone wall. The desperateness of the encounter may be conceived, 
when the fact is stated that of eighty-nine men he lost twenty-three. 
He shared General Boyd’s quarters at French Mills. Dr. Man a 
noted physician took him to his house ten miles distant, where 
he remained four months. He there became acquainted with the 
daughter of Judge William Bailey of Plattsburg and in March 
following they were married in that town. 9 

The New York Public Library possesses quite a collection of 
letters written by prominent people to Captain Myers; among 
these I found one written in 1814 by James Kent, subsequently 
the famous chancellor, mentioning the fact that Miss Bailey 
had called on him, and promising to do all he could in regard 
to his request for promotion in the army. 10 Lossing says: 

During the remainder of the war Myers performed laborious 
and gallant service under several commands in the Northern 
Department and in 1815, the disability produced by his wound. 


• Harper’s “ Encyclopedia,” supra, p. 124. 

•Lossing, supra, p. 654; “Return of the killed and wounded of a 
Detachment of the United States Army in an Action fought at 
Williamsburg in Upper Canada on the 11th of November, 1813,” 
printed by Rev. S. Williams in “ Sketches of the War between the 
United States and the British Isles,” Rutland, Vt., 1815, p. 219, 
Henry M. Brackenridge, “History of the Late War,” 1844, p. 173: 
and authorities mentioned in Note 6. 

10 New York Public Library, Bailey-Myers Collection (MSS.), 
vol. vii, No. 654. 



Jews in the War of 1812 — Hiihner. 


177 


caused him to be disbanded and placed in the pension roll for the 
half pay of Captain. This ended his military career. 11 

Later he became Mayor of Schenectady and also represented 
New York City in the state legislature for about six years. 12 
The collection of letters referred to shows that he was on in¬ 
timate terms with men of prominence, such as Van Buren and 
Horatio Seymour. 18 

After his marriage, Myers became estranged from the Jewish 
community. His family were reared as Christians and added 
their mother’s name. His son was the late Theodoras Bailey- 
Myers 14 and the Bailey-Myers family is still socially prominent 
in New York. 

Following the gloomy occurrences referred to, came the news 
of Perry’s victory on Lake Erie, and it may be of interest to 
mention that Commodore Perry subsequently acquired and 
lived in the old Levy homestead at Newport, a house which 
had also belonged to one of the Seixas family, and which is 
still one of the landmarks of that city. 18 

Among New York Jews who figure in the military annals of 
the War of 1812, are the following: 

Aaron Levy, a son of Hayman Levy and son-in-law of Isaac 
Moses. Levy’s father is remembered as a prominent merchant 

“Lossing, supra, p. 654, and authorities mentioned in Note 6. 
His sword and other relics of his military career are preserved 
in the National Museum at Washington. 

12 Ibid. He was also prominent in Masonic affairs. See McClen- 
achan, “History of Freemasonry in New York,” vol. iii, p. 395; 
Samuel Oppenheim in Publications of the American Jewish His¬ 
torical Society, No. 19, pp. 39, 99. 

12 New York Public Library, Bailey-Myers Collection, supra, 
vol. ii, Nos. 1734, 1836; vol. vi, Nos. 841, 845. 

14 Cassie Mason Myers Julien, supra; “ Reminiscences,” supra. 
It is curious, however, that both these publications omit the first 
name of the subject throughout, always referring to him only as 
Major M. Myers, so that while the sketches are otherwise com¬ 
plete, the name “ Mordecai ” nowhere appears. 

15 George C. Mason, “ Reminiscences of Newport.” 


178 


American Jewish Historical Society. 


during the Revolution, while his father-in-law was a patriot 
who had assisted the American cause financially. 18 Aaron Levy 
became Paymaster in the 6th Regiment of Infantry as early 
as 1800, 17 and was First Lieutenant of the First Brigade, Ar¬ 
tillery, Second Regiment, in 1810. 18 He became Captain and 
Paymaster in 1812, and garrisoned the northern battery in 
New York. 19 In 1815 he appears as Second Major in the Third 
Regiment, Artillery, 20 and later in the same year as First Major 
in the 9th Regiment, Artillery. 21 In May, 1816, he was Lieu¬ 
tenant-Colonel of that regiment. 22 

Bernard Hart, the father of the late Emanuel B. Hart, 28 was 
Division Quartermaster during the War. 24 He was the grand¬ 
father of Francis Bret Ilarte, the distinguished novelist. 25 

ia Hazard’s “Register of Pennsylvania,” vol. ii, p. 259; Max J. 
Kohler, in Publications, supra, No. 2, p. 86; No. 3, p. 84; Leon 
Hiihner, in No. 23, p. 173. 

17 “ Original MS. Diary of Aaron Levy,” in possession of his 
descendant, Lionel Moses, of New York; “Military Minutes of the 
Council of Appointment,” supra, vol. i, pp. 489, 818. 

18 Ibid., vol. ii, p. 1132. 

19 Ibid., p. 1297; “Military Papers of Daniel D. Tompkins, Gov¬ 
ernor of New York,” Albany, 1902, vol. i, p. 451; vol. iii, p. 85; 
Levy Diary mentioned in Note 17. 

29 “Military Minutes,” supra, vol. ii, p. 1603; Levy Diary above 
referred to. 

21 Ibid., p. 1649; Diary. 

22 Ibid., vol. iii, p. 2137; Diary. 

23 N. Taylor Phillips, in Publications, supra, No. 4, p. 211. 

24 See New York Leader, June 19, 1858: “He provided substan¬ 
tially to the defense of New York at the appeal of Governor Tomp¬ 
kins and Tompkins appointed him Division Quartermaster which 
he fulfilled honorably till the close of the war.” See also Henry 
Childs Merwin, “The Life of Bret Harte,” New York, 1911, p. 5; 
“Military Minutes,” supra, vol. i, pp. 368, 489, 509, 818; vol. ii, 
pp. 1219, 1297. 

25 Bernard Hart had married a Gentile early in life. His second 
wife, however, was a Jewess. A son by the first union was brought 
up as a Christian by his mother. This son, Henry Hart, was the 
father of Bret Harte. See Merwin, supra , p. 6. 


Jews in the War of 1812 — Huhner. 


179 


The records of the Council of Appointment show the follow¬ 
ing Jewish officers: Hayman Solomon, Captain of the 10th 
Brigade, 115th Begiment; 28 Captain Abraham Seixas, who be¬ 
came Second Major of the 10th Brigade Infantry, 4th Begi¬ 
ment, in 1815; 27 Captain Moses B. Seixas; 28 and Captain Solo¬ 
mon Seixas of the 5th Begiment, Second Brigade Infantry, who 
became Second Major of the 51st Infantry in 1816. 29 Mention 
is also made of the Seixas Company of Colonel Van Hook’s 
Begiment in 1814. 30 

Haym M. Salomon, son of the well-known Haym Salomon 
of the Bevolution, is mentioned in 1812, successively as Lieu¬ 
tenant and Captain of the First Brigade, Infantry. 81 

Members of the family of Jonas Phillips, a soldier in the 
Bevolutionary War, figure in these records also. Thus Dr. 
Manuel Phillips 82 served as assistant surgeon in the war 88 and 
under date of September 27,1812 is found a letter from Gover¬ 
nor Tompkins, of New York, recommending Naphtali Phillips 
for the position of Paymaster. The letter written to the Pay¬ 
master-General of the United States reads: 

As Mr. Naphtale Philips has been recommended to me for Pay¬ 
master for the militia in service at New York, and as I know him 
to be worthy and competent, should you think proper upon his 
giving such security as General Armstrong may approve to make 
remittance to him, I have no doubt he will discharge the duty 


28 “ Military Minutes,” supra, p. 1383. 

21 Ibid., pp. 1158, 1089, 1644, 1650. 

28 Ibid., pp. 1159, 978, 1089. 

29 Ibid., pp. 1139,1647, 979, 1044, 1140; vol. iii, pp. 1910, 2093, 2115. 
80 “ Military Papers of Daniel D. Tompkins,” supra, vol. i, p. 725; 

vol. ii, p. 647. 

51 “ Military Minutes,” supra, vol. ii, pp. 1299, 1383, 1175, 1732. 

82 N. Taylor Phillips, in Publications, supra, No. 2, pp. 60, 61. 
M Morais, supra, pp. 416, 426, 477; Simon Wolf, “The American 
Jew as Patriot, Soldier and Citizen,” Philadelphia, 1895, pp. 76, 
86; “ Pennsylvania Archives,” 6th Series, vol. vii, p. 424. 



180 American Jewish Historical Society. 

with fidelity and ability and therefore recommend him for the 
situation. 34 

Both Captains Seixas and Levy figure in Governor Tomp¬ 
kins’ Correspondence of the period. 85 

In the records of the Council of Appointment may also be 
found the name of Sampson Simson, subsequently one of the 
founders of Mt. Sinai Hospital in Hew York. He is mentioned 
as ensign in Captain Davis’s Company in 1802, 36 as Lieutenant 
in the company of his kinsman Joseph Simson in 1803, 37 and 
upon the latter’s resignation he became Captain of the same 
company, which position he retained throughout the war. 38 

Samuel Noah, a cousin of Major Mordecai M. Noah, was 
graduated at West Point in 1807, and became an ensign. Later, 
while on duty at the Florida frontier, he became intimate with 
Captain Winfield Scott and Wade Hampton. 39 Promoted to 
1st Lieutenant, he resigned in 1811 but volunteered after war 
was declared. Not being recommissioned, he served as a private 
in Captain Dunning’s company for the defense of Brooklyn, 
then being fortified to repel the anticipated descent of the 
British on Long Island, and continued in service to the end 


34 “ Military Papers of Daniel D. Tompkins,” supra, vol. iii, p. 150. 

36 Ibid., vol. i, pp. 300, 725, 451. 

38 “ Military Minutes,” supra, vol. i, p. 586. 

37 Ibid., p. 664. 

38 Ibid., pp. 664, 724; see also, pp. 449, 465, 664, 724; vol. ii, 
pp. 1603, 2244. 

89 For a full and appreciative account of his career see General 
George W. Cullum’s “Biographical Sketches of Deceased Grad¬ 
uates of the United States Military Academy,” quoted by Max 
J. Kohler, in Publications, supra, No. 4, p. 91; Simon Wolf, “Mor¬ 
decai M. Noah,” p. 46; Hamersly, supra, p. 58; Heitman, supra , 
p. 749. 


Jews in the War of 1812 — Huhner. 181 

of the war. 40 General George W. Cullum in his sketch of Noah’s 
career says: 

His services were most zealous and untiring, his military edu¬ 
cation, practical knowledge and quick intelligence proving power¬ 
ful auxiliaries to his patriotic devotion to duty. 41 

Besides those mentioned, the book of Hon. Simon Wolf also 
includes Jacob and Benjamin Hays and Col. Nathan Myers as 
soldiers during the same period. 43 

Quite a number of Jewish volunteers came from Penn¬ 
sylvania; among these were Benjamin Gratz, a son of Michael 
Gratz, a Bevolutionary patriot of Philadelphia, who enlisted 
in 1813 at the age of twenty-one under General Thomas Cad- 
walader, and served as Second Lieutenant in Captain John 
Swift’s Company of Pennsylvania volunteers; 43 his kinsman 
Joseph Gratz served in the First Regiment, Philadelphia Cal- 
valry 44 and Simon Gratz in the 25th Regiment, Pennsylvania 
Militia. 45 Joseph Phillips a son of Jonas Phillips, 46 a Revolu¬ 
tionary soldier, served throughout, and later became secretary 
of the Illinois territory. 41 Abraham Mitchell, 48 and David G. 

40 Same as Note 39; Simon Wolf, “The American Jew,” supra, 
pp. 35, 38. 

41 Same as Notes 39 and 40. According to General Cullum, Noah's 
resignation was due to his failing to get promotion to which he 
was clearly entitled. His career was most romantic and full of 
adventure. 

42 Wolf, supra, p. 70; Guernsey, “New York City during the War 
of 1812.” I have however been unable to find his name in any of 
the synagogue records. 

43 “ Pennsylvania Archives,” 6th Series, supra, vol. vii, pp. 523, 
94, 529; vol. viii, p. 592; lieutenant, p. 570; Morais, supra, p. 459. 

44 “ Pennsylvania Archives,” supra, vol. vii, pp. 60, 857, 860. 

49 Ibid., p. 96. 48 See Publications, supra, No. 2, p. 61. 

4T See “The National Advocate,” March 13, 1817: “Joseph 
Phillips late of the Army of the United States to be Secretary of 
the Illinois Territory.” Also Morais, supra, p. 459; Wolf, supra, 
p. 71; Publications, ibid., “Pennsylvania Archives,” supra, p. 397; 
vol. viii, p. 398; vol. ix, p. 268. 

48 Morais, supra, p. 459; Wolf, supra, p. 70. 


182 


American Jewish Historical Society. 


Seixas, a son of Rev. Gershom Seixas, the patriot Jewish min¬ 
ister of the American Revolution, 49 likewise figure as soldiers 
during the war. 

Isaac De Young, a native of Rotterdam in Holland, came 
to this country when a child, and at the age of sixteen enlisted 
in the Third Hew Jersey Heavy Regulars. He took part in the 
battles of Sackett's Harbor, Queenstown, Frenchtown, Fort 
George, Stony Creek, Lake Champlain, Georgetown, Oswego, 
Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. In the battle last mentioned, 
he was severely wounded, but served to the end of the war, dur¬ 
ing which he became a friend of Winfield Scott, subsequently 
the well-known general. He Young died in 1868 and is buried 
in the Jewish Cemetery of Philadelphia. 60 Other Jewish sol¬ 
diers were Abraham Solomon 51 and Samuel S. Solomon who 
served in the 24th Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, 62 Daniel 
Levi who served as sergeant, 68 Louis Levy, 64 Lewis Levi of Lan¬ 
caster, 66 Samuel Israel, 68 Abraham Hones, who served in the 
State Fencibles, 67 and Abraham B. Hones in the First Pennsyl¬ 
vania Volunteer Infantry. 68 

In addition to the foregoing, the following are mentioned 
as Jewish soldiers from Pennsylvania in the work of Hon. 

49 Ibid. He died at South Bend, Indiana, in 1880. 

60 See “ General Society of the War of 1812,” 1908, Pennsylvania, 
p. 45, et seq., which contains a long account of his career. Also 
Morais, supra, pp. 459-460; Wolf supra, p. 72; Albert M. Frieden- 
berg, in Publications, supra, No. 17, p. 41. 

61 “ Pennsylvania Archives,” supra, pp. 206, 633. 

M Ibid., p. 92. 

63 Ibid., p. 392; vol. viii, pp. 1005, 1008, 1011, 1013. 

64 Ibid., p. 1420. 

65 Ibid., pp. 1113, 1115, 1119, 1122. 

68 Ibid., vol. ix, p. 143. 

87 Ibid., vol. viii, p. 393. 

68 Ibid., vol. vii, pp. 481, 487; vol. viii, p. 398; vol. ix, p. 143. He 
was in all likelihood a son of Major Nones, a well-known Jewish 
soldier in the American Revolution. 


Jews in the War of 1812 — Huhner. 


183 


Simon Wolf, though I do not know his authority for including 
them: 89 Jacob Appel who served in Captain Samuel Borden’s 
Company, Fourth Detachment; 80 Jacob and Samuel Bach¬ 
man ; 81 Sergeant Samuel Goodman who served in Captain 
George Zieber’s Company, First Regiment, Second Brigade; 
Corporal Abraham Gunsinhouser, of Captain Jacob Wentz’s 
Company, 52d Regiment; 82 Private Jacob Haas, of Captain 
George Dinckey’s Company, 18th Section of Riflemen ; 83 Ezekiel 
Jacobs of Captain Cotter’s Company, First Detachment, First 
Brigade; 84 Henry Loeb, of Captain Jacob Ashey’s Company, 
First Regiment; 65 First Lieutenant Isaac Mertz, of Captain 
Middleswarth’s Company, Battalion of Riflemen; 80 Lieutenant 
David Metzler; 87 Corporal Daniel Metzler, of Captain Beck¬ 
with’s Company; Private Joseph Metzgar, of Captain Diner’s 
Company, Second Brigade; Ensign Samuel Meyer, of Captain 
Hess’ Company of Riflemen from Northhampton County; 
Private Jacob Miller, 101st Regiment; Myer Mordecai, Penn¬ 
sylvania Volunteers; Isaac Moses, Second Regiment; Jacob 
Moser; Adjutant Isaac Myers, 1st Regiment; 88 Private Samuel 
Phillips, 1st Detachment of 1st Brigade; 69 Jacob Rosensteel, of 
Williamson’s Company, Second Brigade, Pennsylvania mili¬ 
tia; 70 Abraham Shatz, of Zieber’s Company, 1st Regiment, 

59 Wolf, supra, pp. 68-72. 

80 “ Pennsylvania Archives,” supra, vol. viii, pp. 1124, 1127. 

81 Ibid., vol. vii, pp. 212, 547, 548, 552, 556; vol. viii, pp. 383, 551, 
757. 

82 Ibid., vol. vii, p. 144; vol. viii, p. 800. 

83 Ibid., p. 355; vol. ix, p. 174. 

84 Ibid., vol. viii, pp. 346, 369, 376. 

“Ibid., vol. vii, pp. 372, 399; vol. viii, pp. 846, 925, 927. 

88 Ibid., p. 436. 

“Ibid., p. 166. 

“Ibid., vol. viii, pp. 831, 1275; Heitman, supra, p. 740. 

“Ibid., pp. 353, 370, 376; vol. ix, pp. 711, 713; vol. x, pp. 37, 84,191. 

10 Ibid., vol. vii, p. 712; vol. viii, p. 256. 


184 


American Jewish Historical Society. 


Second Brigade; 71 Siegfried Solomon, Captain Dinckey’s Com¬ 
pany, 18th Section of Riflemen; Samuel Wamser and Michael 
Wolf of Zieber’s Company, 1st Regiment, Second Brigade; 
Corporal Samuel Weiss, Second Brigade; Privates Jacob Wolf 
of Captain Wilson’s Company from Bucks County, Pennsyl¬ 
vania and Abraham Yuxsheimer, of Captain Dorr’s Company, 
101st Regiment. 72 

Toward the close of 1813, all New England, suffering com¬ 
mercially from the effects of the war, united in opposition to 
its continuance and to the administration. The Boston Daily 
Advertiser even broached the idea that it would be best for New 
England to conclude a separate peace with Great Britain or, at 
least, assume a position of neutrality, leaving it to the other 
states to fight out the war. 73 This produced considerable anxi¬ 
ety at Washington, and also led to the famous Hartford Con¬ 
vention. Webster, in his first speech at this time, declared that 
the difficulty of raising troops grew out of the unpopularity 
of the war, which is evidenced by the fact that it was only at a 
cost of about $2,000,000 in bounties, that 14,000 recruits were 
obtained, of whom New England furnished more than all the 
other states put together. 74 

Among the papers preserved by the Spanish and Portuguese 
Congregation of New York, is a MS. sermon delivered about 
this time by its minister, Rev. Gershom Mendez Seixas, in 
which he pleaded for funds for the relief of the sufferers of the 
Northwest Territory who had been the victims of both British 
and Indian warfare. In this sermon, this patriot minister im¬ 
plored his parishioners to stand by the flag and their country, 
and 

to support the President of the United States in the present state 
of public disaffection. 


n Ibid., vols. viii, ix. 

72 Wolf, supra, pp. 68-72. 

73 Harper’s “ Encyclopedia,” supra, p. 124. 

74 Ibid,, p. 125. 



Jews in the War of 1812 — Huhner. 


185 


He then continued with sentiments which might well be re¬ 
peated at the present day. To quote: 

Support the country in its position at all hazards, because Con¬ 
gress knowing all the facts, is the better Judge of what is necessary 

than the private citizen.To the citizens at large, it is sufficient 

for us to know that our rulers are chosen to he Judges on all affairs 
concerning the welfare of their constituents. They have declared 
war, and it is our bounden duty to act as true and faithful citizens, 
to support and preserve the honor, dignity and the independence 
of the United States of America, that they may bear equal rank 
among the nations of the earth. 75 

Prior to this time the Americans had been on the offensive, 
but they were now compelled to change to defensive warfare. 
The entire coast was menaced by British squadrons, and at 
Hew York, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston and Savannah, all 
of which were exposed to attack, the people were kept busy 
casting up fortifications for defense. In this connection a 
number of Jews took an active part. 

In January, 1814, President Madison nominated John 
Quincy Adams, Bayard, and Henry Clay as Peace Commis¬ 
sioners; Joseph B. Nones a midshipman in the navy, and at 
the time secretary to Clay, accompanied the Commission to 
Ghent. 76 Nones was a son of Major Nones of the Be volutionary 
War, and was later assigned to the Guerriere commanded by 
Decatur. He continued on DecatuPs staff for two years and 
took part in the Algerine War, retiring in 1822. 77 

75 See Leon Huhner, “ The Patriot Jewish Minister of the Ameri¬ 
can Revolution,” in Jewish Comment, January 10, 1902, where this 
MS. sermon is quoted more at length. 

"Morais, supra, p. 470; Markens, supra, p. 135; Wolf, supra, p. 85. 
Max J. Kohler, in Publications, supra, No. 16, p. 32, cited Morais, 
supra, regarding Nones’ employment as the secretary of Henry 
Clay on this mission. Through a typographical error Mr. Kohler’s 
phrase, “Morais mentions ,” etc., was there printed as “Morais 
questions,” etc. I make this correction at Mr. Kohler’s request. 

77 Same as Note 7G. 


15 





186 


American Jewish Historical Society. 


After the burning of Washington, the British under General 
Boss approached Baltimore, and on September 12, 1814 at¬ 
tacked North Point, where General Boss was killed. They 
found the city so well fortified, however, that they retired, but 
on the following day (September 13, 1814), the British fleet 
bombarded Fort McHenry. The defense was carried on by the 
citizen soldiers of Baltimore, and a list of these is one of the 
few lists of names published concerning the war. 

It is entitled “ Muster Boll of Citizen Soldiers at North 
Point and Fort McHenry, September 12 and 13, 1814.” The 
Jews on this list are the following: 

Fifth Regiment of Maryland Cavalry Militia. 

Maryland Chasseurs: 

Jacob Myers, Lieutenant; Andrew Levy, Private. 78 

First Regiment, Franklin Artillery: 

Joseph Myers, Captain. 79 

Baltimore Fencibles: 

Philip I. Cohen, Private; Mendus Cohen, Private. 80 

Samuel Etting, Private. 81 

Philip and Mendes Cohen were nephews of Jacob I. Cohen, 
a Jewish soldier in the Revolution, and Philip subsequently 
became Postmaster of Norfolk, Virginia. 82 
American Artillerists: 

Samuel Cohen, Junior, 2d Sergeant; 83 Jacob Hess, Pri¬ 
vate; Jesse Hess, Private; Jacob Jonas, Private. 84 


78 “ Muster Roll,” supra, Baltimore, n. d., pp. 8, 9. 

79 Ibid., p. 10. 

80 Ibid., p. 13. Also William M. Marine, “The British Invasion 
of Maryland," Baltimore, 1913, p. 249; “ The Jewish Encyclopedia." 

81 “ Muster Roll,” supra, p. 13; Marine, supra, p. 280. Etting was 
wounded at North Point. See Hid., p. 173. As to Etting family see 
“ The Jewish Encyclopedia." 

82 See “The Jewish Encyclopedia"; Blum, “Jews of Baltimore,” 
supra, p. 4. 

83 “ Muster Roll,” supra, p. 14; Blum, supra, p. 4. 

84 “ Muster Roll,” supra, p. 15. 



Jews in the War of 1812 — Huhner. 


187 


Washington Artillery: 

Samuel Konig. 85 
Eagle Artillerists: 

Salomon Myers. 88 
United Maryland Artillery: 

Levi Callmus. 87 

1st Rifle Battalion of Maryland Militia. 

Union Yagers: 

Martin Hirsch, 1st Corporal; 88 Jacob Moses, Private. 89 
Capt. George Stile's Corps of Marine Artillery. 

Marine Artillery: 

N. Myers, Private. 90 

York Volunteers attached to the 5th Maryland Volunteer In¬ 
fantry: 

Jacob Barnitz, Junior, 1st Lieutenant: David Kaufman, 
Private; 91 Jacob Lehman, Private. 92 
Maryland Cavalry: 

Jacob Baer, Captain. 93 

5th Regiment of Infantry of Maryland Militia. 

1st Baltimore Light Infantry: 

Michael Wolf, Private. 94 
Mechanical Volunteers: 

Thomas Levy, Private; Jacob Meyer, Private. 95 
Baltimore United Volunteers: 

David Warfield, Captain; 98 Isaac Phillips, Junior, Pri¬ 
vate. 97 


85 Ibid. 

88 Ibid., p. 18. 

87 Ibid., p. 20. The name also appears as Kalmus. He was a 
young Bohemian Jew who arrived in 1798 at the age of fifteen. 
See also Blum, supra, p. 4. 

88 “ Muster Roll,” supra, p. 22. 

89 Ibid., p. 23; Marine, supra, p. 386; Blum, supra, p. 4. 

90 “ Muster Roll,” supra, p. 25. 

91 Ibid., p. 26. 

92 Ibid, 

98 Ibid., p. 29. 

94 Ibid., p. 32. 

"Ibid. 

98 Ibid., p. 35. I am not certain whether he was a Jew. 

97 Ibid., p. 36. 



188 


American Jewish Historical Society. 


Independent Blues: 

Samuel Myers, Sergeant. 

Sixth Independent Regiment Maryland Militia: 

Henry Wolf, Private; 98 G. C. Leoni, Private. 99 
27th Independent Regiment: 

Isaac Wolf, Private; Benjamin Jacobs, Private; 100 Vincent 
Levy, Private; 101 Benjamin F. Pollock, 3d Sergeant; 102 
Aaron Mark, Private. 103 
39th Independent Regiment: 

L. Noah, Private; 104 Jacob Wolf, Junior, 4th Sergeant; 108 
Daniel Kaufman, Private; Barnard Myers, 106 Samuel 
Wolf, 1st Lieutenant; William Samuels, 4th Corporal. 107 
51st Independent Regiment: 

Samuel Solomon, 108 

and Isaac Phillips, designated as “one of the patriotic citizens 
under whom volunteers organize .” 109 

In addition to the foregoing mention may be made of Manuel 
Joseph 110 and Solomon Etting a distinguished Jewish citizen 
of Baltimore who was elected to the Committee on Vigilance 
and served on other important committees in connection with 
the defense of the city. 111 

Though the South escaped attack at first, its cities along the 
seacoast were very uneasy. In Savannah, for instance, from 
the very beginning of 1812, 

meetings were held by citizens in the interests of the war question 
and to discuss proper means of protecting the city. The young men 


108 Ibid., p. 58. 
104 Ibid., p. 60. 


98 Ibid., p. 42. 

" Ibid., p. 44. 

100 Ibid., p. 51. 108 Ibid., p. 61. 

101 Ibid., p. 54. 106 Ibid., p. 72. 

102 Ibid., p. 52. 107 Ibid., p. 61. 

108 Ibid., p. 71; Marine, supra, p. 443. 

109 “ Muster Roll,” supra, p. 76. 

110 Marine, supra, p. 342. 

in Ibid., pp. 133, 139, 141. Besides those mentioned, Reuben 
Etting is stated to have been among the defenders of Baltimore 
on this occasion; see B. H. Hartogensis, in Publications, supra, 
No. 25, p. 95. 



Jews in the War of 1812 — Hiihner. 


189 


met in the courthouse for the purpose of uniting their interests 
in the formation of a volunteer Company. 

Abraham Sheftall, of the distinguished Revolutionary 
family, was secretary of this organization. 112 

Another Jew. Captain Chapman Levy, was likewise active in 
Charleston. To quote Judge O’Neill: 

This gentleman was a Hebrew by birth and a native of the 

ancient town of Camden, born July 4th, 1787.He became a 

lawyer of prominence and in 1814 volunteered for active service 
with a fine Rifle Company of which he was captain, in the regi¬ 
ment of drafted militia commanded by Col. Adam McWillie, and 
served at Haddrel’s Point near Charleston until March, 1815. He 
was subsequently a member of the South Carolina Legislature. 11 * 

Another writer tells us that Camden contributed to the volun¬ 
teer regiment of Lancaster the fine Rifle Company of Captain 
Chapman Levy. 114 

112 Adelaide Wilson, “ Historical and Picturesque Savannah,” Bos¬ 
ton, 1889, p. 115; George White, '* Historical Collections of Georgia,” 
p. 348. 

118 John Belton O’Neill, “ Bench and Bar of South Carolina,” 
Charleston, 1859, vol. ii, p. 281, which gives an extended and ap¬ 
preciative account of Levy as lawyer and soldier. To quote: “He 
was also known as Col. Levy from being the aide of one of the 

governors of the state.As a member of the legislature he was 

active and untiring in the discharge of his duties. In the un¬ 
fortunate political contest which gave rise to nullification, and 
which has been the parent in a greater or less degree of all our 
subsequent political dissension, Colonel Levy was an ardent and 
consistent Union man, and did more than anyone else to keep 

Kershaw, Chesterfield and Lancaster in their proper places. 

He removed to Mississippi and died there in December, 1850 in the 
64th year of his age.” See also the present writer in Publica¬ 

tions, supra, No. 12, pp. 163-164; and No. 22, pp. 154-155. 

114 Edwin J. Scott, “ Random Recollections of a Long Life,” 
Columbia, 1884, p. 15. 






190 


American Jewish Historical Society. 


Myer Moses, likewise of Revolutionary ancestry, is mentioned 
as Captain of militia at this time. 118 He too, subsequently 
became a member of the South Carolina Legislature. 118 

Isaac Minis, a son of Philip and Judith Minis, served as a 
private in Captain Bullock’s Company of Artillery, First Regi¬ 
ment of Georgia Militia. 111 His father, too, had been a soldier 
in the Revolutionary War, while his mother was so staunch a 
patriot that the British ordered her confined to her house for 
a time to prevent her giving assistance to the American cause. 11 * 

Dr. Jacob De La Motta, of Savannah, served as a surgeon in 
the regular army to the end of the war. 119 He was later ap¬ 
pointed by President Harrison Receiver-General for his Dis¬ 
trict. 120 Dr. De La Motta was a devout Hebrew and instru¬ 
mental in organizing anew the congregation at Savannah. For 
a number of years he officiated as minister both at Charleston 
and Savannah, without compensation. 121 His father, Emanuel 
De Le Motta, a Revolutionary soldier, is said likewise to have 
served in the War of 1812. 122 

Hyman Cohen, of South Carolina, commissioned Second 
Lieutenant of Rifles in 1812, was promoted to First Lieutenant 
in 1814. 123 Jacob Cohen, of Savannah, served as a private in 

115 See Markens, swpra, p. 179; Leon Hiihner, in Publications , 
supra, No. 12, p. 164; Wolf, supra, p. 70. 

11(1 Same as Note 115; Publications, supra, No. 12, pp. 163-164. 

111 “ The Jewish Encyclopedia.” 

118 White, “Statistics of Georgia,” Savannah, 1849, p. 167; Leon 
Hiihner, “The Jews of Georgia in the American Revolution,” in 
Publications, supra, No. 17, p. 100. 

Francis B. Heitman, “ Historical Register and Dictionary of 
the United States Army,” Washington, 1903, p. 365. 

120 See The Occident, vol. iii, p. 59; “The Jewish Encyclopedia.” 

“Same as Note 120; Leon Hiihner, “The Jews of South Caro¬ 
lina,” in Publications, supra, No. 12, p. 39 et seq. 

122 Same as Note 120. 

m Hamersly, supra, p. 70. The name is given as Hyem Cohen. 
See also Heitman, supra, p. 315; Publications, supra, No. 12, p. 164. 


Jews in the War of 1812 — Euliner. 


191 


Captain William F. BulletFs Company of Georgia Militia.” 4 
David Lewis of Strassburg came to America at an early age 
and is said to have fought in the Revolution as well as in the 
War of 1812 ” 5 Major M. G. Waage,” 8 Philip Minis and Abra¬ 
ham De Leon are likewise mentioned, the latter as Surgeon’s 
mate.” 7 

In 1813, the government invited subscriptions for a $16,000,- 
000 loan, but only $4,000,000 were subscribed, and government 
bonds were sold at a 15# discount.” 8 In a work entitled “ Old 
Merchants of New York/’ special praise is given to a few 
patriotic merchants who subscribed at this time at a deliberate 
sacrifice. Among those thus mentioned is Harmon Hendricks, 
who was a subscriber for $40,000 

In January, 1815, our government found itself without 
money, the regular military force decreasing, a victorious 
British army threatening the Northern frontier, Cockburn in 
possession of Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia, and 
a formidable British armament preparing to invade the Gulf 
region. 130 

In connection with preventing the invasion of the south at 
this crisis, we find the name of another Jewish officer, Major 

134 This item, appears in a declaration on file in Washington, 
mentioned by B. A. Elzas in “ The Jews of South Carolina,” p. 144. 

125 This appears from an old letter written by Joseph C. Lewis, a 
Jew of New Orleans, to his sister giving some data concerning the 
history of the family in America, and from data collected by Mr. 
William Einstein, of New York. 

129 Heitman, supra, pp. 77, 103, 113, 133, 156, 991. 

127 Ibid., pp. 77, 103, 113, 133, 156; Publications, supra, No. 12, 
p. 164; “ American Biography,” vol. iii, Edwin De Leon. 

128 See Scoville, “ The Old Merchants of New York City,” First 
Series, pp. 329-333. 

129 Ibid.; Wolf, supra, p. 36; also Max J. Kohler, in Publications, 
supra, No. 4, p. 90. 

180 Harper's “ Encyclopedia,” supra, p. 126. 


192 American Jewish Historical Society. 

Abraham A. Massias, whose achievement is prominently de¬ 
tailed in practically every history of the war. 

The family of Major Massias seems to have come from 
Barbados, and had probably settled at Charleston, for a Ben¬ 
jamin Massias of Barbados is mentioned as a trustee in the 
deed to the Cuming Street Cemetery of that city. 131 Abraham 
Massias was born in 1772 and is mentioned at Newport, Bhode 
Island, in 1800. 132 He was appointed ensign in 1802 133 and 
lieutenant in the New York Militia in 1804. 134 Though resid¬ 
ing in New York at the time, he appeared also as a member of 
the Congregation Beth Elohim of Charleston. He became Cap¬ 
tain of the First Regiment of Light Infantry of New York, 
in 1807, but resigned in 1809 135 and entered the service of the 
United States, at first as Captain, and in 1814 as Major in the 
regular army. 138 

The British made several attempts to enter Georgia from 
the sea. They landed at Cumberland Island and made an 
effort to hold it, but were so vigorously attacked by a small 
force under Captain Massias that they were compelled to re¬ 
treat to their boats. 137 Another writer detailing this achieve¬ 
ment, states: 

that the enemy attacked Point Petre on the St. Marys, sending 
1500 men in boats up the river for that purpose; but the fortifica¬ 
tions were good, and the garrison under Major Massias made so 

181 B. A. Elzas, “ The Old Jewish Cemeteries at Charleston,” 1903, 
p. 4; N. Darnell Davis, in Publications, supra, No. 22, p. 178. 

i32 proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, 1791-1820,” 
supra; Samuel Oppenheim, “ The Jews in Masonry,” Publications, 
supra, No. 19, p. 19. 

183 “ Military Minutes,” supra, vol. i, p. 586. 

131 Ibid. 

185 Ibid., vol. ii, pp. 923, 924. 

18 *Heitman, supra, p. 696; Hamersly, supra, pp. 70, 108, 171; 
Morais, supra, p. 459. 

a8T See Georgia Historical Society, vol. iv, p. 219; “Memoirs of 
Georgia,” Southern Historical Association, 1895, vol. i, p. 96; 
Smith, “ History of Georgia,” p. 524. 



Jews in the War of 1812 — Huhner. 


193 


brave a show that the English concluded that the post was too 
strong to be carried, and withdrew. 188 

A very full account of the bravery and daring of Major Massias 
and his sixty riflemen, and of the heavy loss which they inflicted 
upon the British, is given in Williams’ “ History of the War of 
1812,” 189 and also in White’s “ Historical Collections of Geor¬ 
gia,” where this achievement is detailed at some length. 14 * I 
have also found Major Massias’ reports of the affair at Point 
Petre, made to General Boyd, and published in Brannan’s 
“ Official Letters of the Military and Naval Officers of the 
United States,” in 1823. 141 In 1818 when Colonel Bracken- 
ridge made his famous plea for the removal of Jewish dis¬ 
abilities in Maryland, he made special reference to the valuable 
services of this Jewish officer. 142 

Major Massias became Paymaster in the United States Army 
in 1820. He was a devout Hebrew, and a trustee of the De 
Costa burial ground in Charleston, in which city he died in 
1848. His remains are interred near the remains of the famous 
Salvador family, and his tombstone records his twenty years’ 
service in the field, his rank in the army and the fact that he 
was a benefactor of the Jewish Congregation of Charleston. 14 * 

138 “ Life of William Lowndes,” p. 119. This account states that 
Massias had been an officer in the American Revolution. The 
statement is 'erroneous, however, and refers to another member of 
his family who fought in the War for Independence. I am indebted 
for this reference to Mrs. Lee C. Harby, of Charleston, S. C. 

139 Rev. S. Williams, “ Sketches of the War between the United 
States and the British Isles, supra, p. 287, et seq. 

140 George White, “ Historical Collections of Georgia,” New York, 
1855, pp. 287-288; Stephen F. Miller, “The Bench and Bar of 
Georgia,” 1858, vol. i, p. 458. 

141 Washington, 1823, pp. 470-474. 

142 See Speech of Col. J. W. D. Worthington, published in 
“ Speeches on the Jew Bill,” by H. N. Brackenridge, Philadelphia, 
1829. 

143 “ The Old Jewish Cemeteries,” supra, 1903, pp. 104-106; Samuel 
Oppenheim, in Publications, supra, No. 19, p. 20; Markens, supra, 
p. 179. 


194 


American Jewish Historical Society. 


Among the prisoners in Dartmoor Prison were Morris Rus¬ 
sel, of Savannah, 144 William Wolf, of Savannah 145 and Manuel 
Joseph. 146 

In the United States Navy, there were quite a few Jews 
also. Abraham De Leon, a member of the well-known Georgia 
family, appeared as midshipman in 1812, as did Joseph B. 
Nones, already referred to. 147 

Levi Myers Harby, a brother of Isaac Harby, the well-known 
journalist of the period, was bom at Georgetown, South Caro¬ 
lina, in 1793. He became a midshipman in the United States 
Navy in 1812, was captured during the war and confined in 
Dartmoor Prison for nearly two years, but finally made his 
escape. Later he had command of a vessel in the expedition 
against the pirates of Tripoli, and also took part in the Semi¬ 
nole and Mexican Wars. He rose to the rank of Captain, but, 
after 52 years of service under the United States flag, resigned 
at the outbreak of the Civil War to enter the Confederate 
service. He was in command of the Confederate Fleet at 
Sabine Pass, and distinguished himself in the defense of 
Galveston. 148 

More prominent still was Commodore Uriah P. Levy, who 
received his commission as sailing master in 1812. He was an 
officer on the brig-of-war Argus which ran the blockade to 
France, having on board Mr. Crawford, the American Minister 
to that country. He was captured by the British in the contest 
with the Pelican in the British Channel, and confined for a 
time at Dartmoor. He became Captain in the service and by 

144 “ The Prisoners’ Memoirs or Dartmoor Prison,” New York, 
1815, p. 258. 

145 Ibid., p. 259. 

148 Ibid., p. 258. 

147 Morais, supra, p. 470; Markens, supra, p. 135; Wolf, supra, p. 85. 

148 See Markens, supra, p. 136; Rev. Henry Cohen, in Publications , 
supra, No. 2, p. 147; Wolf, supra, p. 83. 


Jews in the War of 1812 — Huhner. 


195 


courtesy was entitled to be styled Commodore, though strictly 
speaking, such an office did not exist at the time. 148 It is said 
that Levy, for his patriotic services, received the freedom of 
the City of New York from the Common Council. 150 At the 
time of his death, he is said to have been the highest ranking 
naval officer in the United States, 151 and his tombstone states 
that he was the father of the law for the abolition of flogging 
in the navy. 152 

Besides the foregoing, mention is made of Mears Levy as a 
master between May, 1812 and June, 1813, 153 Abram Phillips, 
a midshipman, who was drowned in 1813, 154 Manuel Phillips, 
assistant surgeon, 155 Gratz Etting, Henry Etting and Ezekiel 
Solomon, pursers in the navy, and midshipman Israel Israel. 15 * 

Aside from the army and the regular navy, however, there 
was a third element of great importance, which assisted the 
young republic during our second war with England. This 
was the signal success of American privateers in destroying 
not only British commerce, but vessels of war as well. Such 
enterprises were then considered not only legitimate but even 
patriotic, and Paul Jones and Decatur at one time figured 
prominently in this connection. 

One of the most successful and daring of these privateers 
during the War of 1812, was a French Jew, Captain John 

149 See Simon Wolf, in Publications, supra, No. 3, p. 40; Wolf, 
supra, p. 84; Morais, supra, p. 469; Markens, supra, p. 134. 

180 Publications, supra, No. 3, p. 40; Wolf, supra, p. 84; Morais, 
supra, p. 470. 

151 Same as Note 150. 

182 Ibid. 

^Morais, supra, p. 477; Wolf, supra, p. 84. 

154 Morais, supra, p. 477; Wolf, supra, p. 86. 

188 Publications, supra, No. 12, p. 164. 

1M Ibid.; Morais, supra, p. 478; Wolf, supra, pp. 83, 86. 


196 


American Jewish Historical Society. 


Ordroneaux of New York. 157 He was bom at Nantes in 1778, 
and educated at Bordeaux. So important was his career to the 
American cause, that Edgar Stanton Maclay, one of the his¬ 
torians of the American Navy, devotes to his achievements an 
entire chapter in his work. Maclay informs us that Captain 
Ordroneaux was a seaman of extraordinary ability. At the out¬ 
break of the war, he commanded the French privateer Marengo, 
and on June 23, 1812, while at New London, narrowly escaped 
the British. Shortly afterward, August 10, 1812, he took the 
British ship Lady Sherlock, and brought her to New York. 158 

Thereafter his career was one of practically uninterrupted 
success, reaching its climax in 1814 when commanding the 
Prince de Neufchatel. In March of that year he took nine val¬ 
uable prizes in the British Channel. 159 This was followed by 
similar successes near Havre in June, and in the Irish Channel 
in August and September. According to Maclay, the Prince 
de Neufchatel during that year was chased by seventeen 
men-of-war, but always managed to escape; while the goods 
captured by her from the enemy and brought safely into port, 
sold for nearly three million dollars, besides which a large 
amount of specie was secured. 160 

Ordroneaux’s crowning success with this ship came in Octo¬ 
ber, 1814, when he captured the British frigate Endymion, and 

167 See The Daily Standard-Union, Brooklyn, April 9, 1905, 
“Yankee Sea Fighter of Early Days only recently known to have 
been a Jew”; Edwin Stanton Maclay, “History of American Pri¬ 
vateers,” New York, 1899, pp. 377-390; Coggeshall, “History of 
American Privateers,” pp. 241-244. An elaborate account of Cap¬ 
tain Ordroneaux appears in Leroy Wilson Kingman’s “ The King- 
man and Ordroneaux Families,” Owego, 1911, but fails to make any 
mention of his Jewish origin. 

158 Maclay, supra, pp. 377-90. 

158 Ibid.; Coggeshall, supra, pp. 241-244. 

180 Same as Note 159. 


Jews in the War of IS 12 — Huhner. 


197 


the writer can perhaps do no better than quote from Maclay 
in this connection. 

One of the most remarkable actions of the war, was between 
the British forty-gun frigate Endymion and the armed ship Prince 
de Neufchatel of New York. The extraordinary feature of this 
affair, lies in the fact, that a vessel fitted out at private expense, 
actually frustrated the utmost endeavors of an English frigate 
of vastly superior force in guns and men. As the commander of 
the Endymion said, he lost as many men in his efforts to seize the 
Prince de Neufchdtel, as he would have done had his ship engaged 
a man-of-war of equal force, and he generously acknowledged that 
the people in the privateer conducted their defence in the most 
heroic and skillful manner. 

In her attack, the Endymion had 49 killed, 37 wounded, and 
• 30 of her crew were made prisoners.This notable action oc¬ 
curred off Nantucket on the night of October 11, 1814.The pri¬ 

vateer mounted seventeen guns as against the Englishman’s 

fifty, to say nothing of the latter’s immensely larger calibre. 

On that night Ordroneaux made one of the most heroic defences 
in history. His ship had a prize when the British frigate was 
discovered. Ordroneaux tried hard to escape, but was unable to 
do so. Night came on, and the British frigate began the attack, 
coming alongside the privateer, and surrounding her with small 
boats. 

This was the beginning of a desperate and bloody struggle, in 
which men fought like wild beasts. 

Captain Ordroneaux himself fired some eighty shots at the enemy. 
Springing up the sides of the vessel, the British would endeavor to 
gain her deck, but every attempt was met by deadly blows by the 
sturdy defenders. It was well understood that Captain Ordroneaux 
had avowed his determination of never being taken alive, and that 
he would blow up his ship with all hands, before striking his 
colors. At one period of the fight, when the British had gained 
the deck, and were gradually driving the Americans back, Ordro¬ 
neaux seized a lighted match, ran to the companionway directly 
over the magazine, and called out to his men that he would blow 
the ship up, if they retreated further. The threat had the desired 

effect.Such a sanguinary fight could not be of long duration, 

and at the end of twenty minutes, the English cried out for quar¬ 
ter, upon which the Americans ceased firing. 







198 


American Jewish Historical Society. 


“ So determined and effective a resistance,” says an English 
naval historian, “ did great credit to the American captain and 
his crew.” Ordroneanx compelled his prisoners to bind them¬ 
selves not to serve against the United States in this war, until 
duly exchanged, and then put them ashore at Nantucket, in 
charge of the United States marshal. On gaining port, he 
retired from his command. 161 

Ordroneaux is described in a contemporary work quoted by 
Maclay in the following words: 

He was a Jew by persuasion, a Frenchman hy birth, an American 
for convenience, and so diminutive in stature as to make it appear 
ridiculous in the eyes of others, even for him to enforce authority 
among a hardy, weather-beaten crew, should they do aught against • 
his will. 162 

Captain Ordroneaux married a Gentile in New York, and 
later went to South America, where he died in 1841. The ship 
which was to bring back his body encountered a storm on its 
return, and the superstitious sailors are said to have thrown the 
body overboard. 163 

The Treaty of Ghent was agreed upon in December, 1814, 
but, as the telegraph and cable had not yet been invented, the 
news did not reach America for some weeks, during which hos¬ 
tilities continued as before. 

On January 1,1815, Jackson made his brave defense of New 
Orleans. Prominent among the defenders of the city on that 
day was one of the noblest men America has ever produced, 

161 Maclay, supra, pp. 377-390; Coggeshall, supra, pp. 241-244. 

162 Ibid. Since the preparation of this paper my attention has 
been called also to a special article on the same subject, written 
by Edgar Stanton Maclay and entitled, “ A Privateer of 1812. The 
Good Fight of Captain Ordroneaux, who is now found to have 
been a Jew.” This appeared in The New Era Magazine, November, 
1904. 

168 Ibid. 


Jews in the War of 1812 — Huhner. 


199 


the well-known philanthropist Judah Touro. 184 In this connec¬ 
tion, the writer can perhaps do no better than by quoting from 
James Parton’s “ Life of Jackson,” which gives a detailed ac¬ 
count of Touro’s patriotism on that occasion. 166 

Judah Touro the far famed and far beloved philanthropist of 
New Orleans on this day served his country in a capacity much 
more dangerous than that of combatant. 

When the state was invaded, Mr. Touro was attached to a ' 
regiment of Louisiana militia. . . . After performing severe labors 
as a common soldier, in the ranks, Mr. Touro, on the 1st of Jan¬ 
uary, volunteered his services to aid in carrying shot and shell 
from the magazine to Humphrey's Battery. In this humble, but 
perilous duty he was seen actively engaged during the terrible 
cannonade with which the British opened the day, regardless of 
the cloud of iron missiles which flew around him, and which made 
many of the stoutest hearted cling closely to the embankment or 
seek some shelter. But in the discharge of duty this good man 
knew no fear and perceived no danger. It was while thus engaged 
that he was struck in the thigh by a twelve pound shot which 
produced a ghastly and dangerous wound. 186 

Here follows a long description of how he was left for dead 
upon the field, but was carried off and nursed back to life by his 
friend Eezin M. Shepherd. Parton then continues: 

The same patriotism which prompted him to expose his life, on 
the plains of Chalmette, dictated that handsome donation for the 
completion of the Bunker Hill Monument, and has characterized 
a thousand other deeds of like liberality which were no less com¬ 
mended for their generosity, than their entire freedom from 
sectarian feeling or selfish aim. 167 

164 See Alexander Walker, “ Life of Andrew Jackson,” Philadel¬ 
phia, 1860, pp. 267-272, where appears a detailed and interesting 
account of Touro’s patriotism during the war. Judge Walker 
speaks of Touro as “ that pure-minded philanthropist whose fame 
is co-extensive with the boundaries of this Republic, and has ex¬ 
tended to distant and foreign lands which he has brightened and 
comforted by his benevolence.” A sketch of Touro’s career by Max 
J. Kohler may be found in Publications, supra, No. 13, pp. 93-111. 

165 Vol. ii, p. 164. 

1,8 Ibid. 


187 Ibid. 



200 American Jewish Historical Society. 

This last reference alludes to the fact that it was Touro who, 
with Amos Lawrence, supplied the funds for completing the 
famous memorial at Boston, and in historic Faneuil Hall both 
men were eulogized at the time in the following verse: 

Amos and Judah, venerated names. 

Patriarch and prophet press their equal claims, .... 
Christian and Jew, they carry out one plan, 

For though of different faith, each is in heart a man, 188 

and it was certainly a noteworthy tribute that John Quincy 
Adams, Daniel Webster, Joseph Story and Edward Everett 
were appointed a committee to prepare an inscription for a 
tablet to be placed in the monument, to record the liberality 
of Lawrence and Touro. 169 

168 George W. Warren, “ Proceedings of Bunker Hill Monument 
Association,” p. 330; Lewis Abraham, in Publications, supra, No. 3, 
p. 99; Max J. Kohler, in ibid., No. 13, p. 100. 

189 Warren, supra, p. 312. 


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